In a significant move, the Supreme Court of India has escalated its pressure on states and union territories to effectively manage the escalating stray dog problem. The court emphasized that officials must be held responsible for failing to implement measures to control stray animal populations while ensuring both human safety and animal welfare. A Supreme Court division, under Justice Vikram Nath, has ordered chief secretaries of all states and Union territories to appear before it on November 3. This directive is to seek justifications for their failure to file necessary compliance affidavits, even after extended deadlines.
The bench voiced strong criticism regarding the ongoing stray dog attacks, which persist despite previous court interventions. It highlighted a concerning lack of engagement from administrative bodies. The court cautioned that senior administrative officials could face personal liability for neglecting the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which are vital for a balanced approach to stray animal management.
The court explicitly stated, “Your country is being portrayed in a bad light internationally!” It lamented that despite being granted two months, many state governments had not submitted any response, pointing to a critical breakdown in administrative follow-through.